"He's permanently ineligible to play football at LSU," Bahnsen said. "That's definite. That's what was said Friday."

Mathieu was dismissed from the team last Friday due to failed substance-abuse tests, but he was not kicked out of the university. ESPN's Joe Schad reported that the "heartbroken" Mathieu was interested in continuing his education at LSU and possibly coming back on the football field in 2013.

Bahnsen confirmed that Mathieu can register for classes, because he was not removed from school. From the Gannett Louisiana report:

"He would have to pay his own way, but he can go to class here and graduate," Bahnsen said.

As far as Mathieu thinking he can possibly return to the football team in 2013 Bahnsen said, "He's not accurate if he thinks that."

The cornerback Mathieu, affectionately known by fans as "Honey Badger," was the winner of the Bednarik Award last season, which goes to the nation's No. 1 defensive player.